In a recent discussion, Dale Earnhardt Jr. shared his thoughts on Denny Hamlin’s ongoing pursuit of a NASCAR Cup Series championship, expressing strong belief that Hamlin deserves to finally win the coveted title. Reflecting on Hamlin’s impressive achievements this season, including multiple victories and a streak of top performances, Earnhardt Jr. placed a spotlight on why many see Hamlin as overdue for championship glory.
Hamlin Stands Out Among Cup Series Contenders
This season, Denny Hamlin has established himself as the most successful driver so far, with five wins already to his credit. After recently claiming victory at Gateway, the Joe Gibbs Racing veteran is nearing a significant career milestone—one more win would tie him with Kevin Harvick for tenth place on the all-time wins list. Hamlin’s dominance has also been displayed through consecutive pole positions at the Southern 500 and the Enjoy Illinois 300, including a race-leading 75 laps at the latter event. Despite his strong statistics throughout the Next Gen Era, Hamlin has not reached the final four nor claimed a Cup Series championship in his four appearances in the championship round.
Addressing Hamlin’s quest for a title, Dale Earnhardt Jr. did not hide his admiration for the veteran driver.
“He deserves to win a championship. He deserves to know what that feels like. All the wins, all the trophies in the house, all the things he has in his memory of his career, he deserves to have a trophy,” he said via Youtube/ Dale Jr Download [44:47 onwards]
“Would he be unicorn if he were to have all of this and end it all without that title. There’s no real comparison, maybe Mark Martin,” he added.
Hamlin’s endurance in the Cup Series is notable, with 21 seasons under his belt and an impressive 19 playoff appearances, amounting to a total of 59 victories. Meanwhile, Dale Earnhardt Jr. himself enjoyed a lengthy and successful career, spanning 19 seasons, 26 Cup Series wins, eight playoff appearances, and a personal best of third place in the 2003 championship standings. Both careers highlight an enduring chase for top honors, with Hamlin’s situation drawing particular attention due to his absence of a championship ring.
Earnhardt Jr. Foresees Byron With the Edge Next Season
Recently, Dale Earnhardt Jr. shared his predictions for the upcoming Cup Series championship contenders, listing his four top picks for the next season. While Denny Hamlin made this group, Earnhardt placed his confidence in Hendrick Motorsports’ William Byron as the strongest title favorite.
Denny Hamlin, Chase Briscoe, William Byron, Ryan Blaney. I like those picks. And I feel like as much as I want to think that Blaney wins the championship between those four at Phoenix, I just feel like Byron does. I don’t know why,” Dale Earnhardt Jr. said. [56:55 onwards]
Among Earnhardt’s picks, the inclusion of Chase Briscoe stands out as a surprise. The No. 19 Toyota driver, currently in his debut season with Joe Gibbs Racing, has already achieved two wins and captured six poles this year. Briscoe secured his advancement to the Round of 12 with a commanding performance at the Southern 500, where he led a race-high 309 laps to seize the first playoff race at Darlington Raceway. He also earned a strong second-place finish at Gateway after starting from the second row.
The Significance of Hamlin’s Ongoing Pursuit
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s commentary underscores the unique spot Denny Hamlin occupies among elite NASCAR drivers, with a career defined by relentless pursuit and consistent performance. Hamlin’s 21-year campaign, punctuated by numerous victories and playoff runs, has yet to yield a championship, a storyline that draws parallels to racing greats like Mark Martin. As speculation builds for the next season, the focus will remain on whether Hamlin’s persistence and talent will be rewarded with the long-awaited Cup Series title. For fans and analysts alike, his continuing quest adds both drama and emotional significance to each race on the calendar.
